Colorado Trans* Girl Crowned Homecoming Princess

Scarlett Lenh, a 16-year-old junior attending Sand Creek High School in Colorado Springs, won her new title last Friday night amid a bit of controversy. Scarlett says she will not let the negativity spoil her win.

Lenh received the majority of votes from her classmates and was given the honor of being crowned “Homecoming Princess” during the school’s September 12th football game.

After learning that she was to win the title, Lenh commented, “It was really exciting. It felt really good. I couldn’t stop smiling.”

Initially, Lenh was surprised by her nomination, as there were three other nominees in the running.

“One of my friends mentioned it, and I didn’t think anything of it because I didn’t think I’d be nominated. But, now, it really matters to me,” she said.

Lenh says this is something she’s wanted to accomplish since her freshman year. She was quoted as saying, “I want people to be themselves and not feel uncomfortable in their own body and mind.”

Officials from Falcon School District 49, where Lenh attends, released a statement supporting the selection.

“The leaders at Sand Creek High School and in District 49 respect the decision of the Scorpion student body in electing their homecoming court,” district spokesman Matt Meister said. “Our board policy sets the standard that we do not exclude any person from participating in any program or activity on the basis of gender identity and gender expression.”

After the winner of the title was announced, some classmates and parents raised concerns that Scarlett shouldn’t have been allowed to be in the running for homecoming court “on the girls’ side.”

The now 16-year-old came out publicly as identifying as transgender and began attending class as a female at the start of this school year.